Kaiden diligently occupies himself in his room, meticulously sorting through the disheveled pile of discarded clothes that lay scattered on the floor. The remnants of the food Wulfric had requested to be delivered to his room lay empty, indicating that Kaiden had already finished eating the meal. Kaiden's gaze drifts toward Wulfric, who remains stoically stationed against the wall by the door, barely having moved since their return to his room. The atmosphere is unusually still, punctuated only by Wulfric's unwavering silence.

Kaiden has made significant progress tidying up the clothes, efficiently categorizing them by type and season. He diligently sets a few sets aside for future travel, ensuring ease of access yet storage. He carefully organizes the everyday and leisure clothing, making the space more organized and practical.

He gathers the remaining clothing that he does not intend to wear, tossing them neatly into the provided sack. He deliberately retains a modest selection of apparel for travel purposes and another small collection suitable for the palace environment.

Kaiden's thoughts wander to Loden intermittently, silently hoping for his safe return. He contemplates initiating a conversation with Wulfric, but uncertainty about what to say holds him back.

Loud voices echo down the hall, their words indistinct but the sound noticeable. Wulfric noticeably tenses up at the disturbance, while Kaiden's curiosity piques, wondering who could be the source of the shouting, which appears to be male in nature.

As the voice draws nearer, Kaiden quickly identifies the speaker as Gideon, the royal tailor. The words become more distinguishable, and the frustrated statement becomes clear: "I must see the Priestess! Get out of my way!"

Kaiden experiences a palpable sense of unease, his nerves tingling with disturbance, as more voices approach. Two sets of softer, overlapping voices are discerned, attempting to reason with the royal tailor. One implores, "Gideon, you cannot disturb the Priestess! They've instructed everyone to leave him alone. Please!"

The second voice adds, with a note of urgency, "Wulfric has made it clear that no one should disturb the Priestess this afternoon. We're explicitly barred from being near his quarters."

Gideon's impassioned voice thunders, resonating loudly: "Back off!" This is followed by two distinct thudding sounds, signaling physical resistance or possibly a scuffle. He then asserts, with a hint of authority and entitlement, "He will see me. I am the Royal Tailor!"

Wulfric swiftly opens the door just as Gideon prepares to knock, revealing the scene on the other side. The sight of two palace servant girls sitting on the floor, gingerly rubbing their buttocks with expressions laced with a mixture of pain and hurt, underscores the recent episode of forceful shoving from Gideon.

The servants quickly bow reverently in acknowledgment of Wulfric’s imposing presence as the door swings open. Meanwhile, Gideon reacts with a nonchalant nonchalance, rolling his eyes. He confidently holds a bag at his feet, demonstrating an indifferent attitude towards the situation at hand.

Kaiden observes from the floor, taking in the scenario unfolding before him as he rises to his feet. A part of him feels compelled to console the girls, but the presence of Gideon causes him to hesitate. He opts instead to maintain a distance from the tailor, subtly taking a step back.

Wulfric's stern voice resonates, the gravity of his words clear. "What is the meaning of this? I meticulously instructed all staff that the Priestess was not to be disturbed for the remainder of the afternoon. I made this unequivocally clear." Wulfric shoots a firm gaze at the servant girls before fixating his focused attention fully on Gideon.

The two girls speak, their voices slightly muffled as they remain in their bowed position of apology. "We are deeply sorry for the disturbance," one girl begins, her voice quivering. "We informed Gideon that we were not permitted to be here." The other girl, now with tears streaming down her face, adds, "Please, forgive us."

Kaiden, unable to hold back at the sight of the sobbing girl, swiftly approaches them. Wulfric attempts to stop him, but Kaiden is too quick, swiftly kneeling in front of the girls and gently placing a hand on each of their shoulders in a comforting gesture.

Kaiden speaks with a gentle and reassuring tone, aiming to calm the girls' distress. "It's alright. Please, don't cry," he says soothingly. "Everything is fine. Please, carry on with your duties. We will handle this matter with Gideon."

The two girls slowly raise their heads, carefully wiping their tears with their other arms. As they fully lift their heads and their eyes make contact with Kaiden, they are taken aback, their eyes widening and their faces showing a clear expression of surprise and shock, as if they cannot believe their eyes.

The two servant girls speak at the same time, their voices echoing in a stunned whisper, "Priestess..."

Kaiden instinctively removes his hands from the girls' shoulders, a familiar and automatic gesture that betrays his embarrassment and shyness. He involuntarily moves his hand to his head, a recurring tick that he can't help whenever he feels self-conscious.

Gideon, with a sense of urgency, interjects, "Priestess, I have important royal business to discuss with you. We MUST finish your fitting now."

The two servant girls exchange glances, then turn their eyes to Wulfric, who is fiercely glaring at Gideon with a mix of anger and an apparent desire for retribution. Without further incident, the girls slowly rise, bowing respectfully once more before quietly exiting the room, leaving the others to sort out the situation.

Gideon confidently continues, his tone expectant, "Shall we proceed with your fitting?"

Wulfric approaches Gideon, closing the distance between them and invading his personal space. The intensity in his voice and expression is undeniable. "You pull any antics like last time, and I will personally make your life much more difficult by breaking a few of your fingers. Do I make myself clear?"

Gideon swallows nervously, his body visibly tensing as he feverishly nods in agreement. His hand clenches tightly around the bag at his feet, the pressure mirroring the anxiety he now feels.

Wulfric steps back, his demeanor authoritative as he gives a firm command: "Go in. Do NOT touch anything."

As Gideon carefully steps into the room, his eyes briefly flick towards Kaiden before he quickly refocuses his gaze onto the floor ahead, mindful of where he places his feet as he crosses the threshold.

Kaiden experiences a sense of unease, his body instinctively tensing in response. His mind replays his previous encounter with Gideon, and he gazes back and forth between the tailor and Wulfric, his anxiety growing.

Kaiden is momentarily paralyzed by his mounting anxiety. His body feels reluctant to respond, and he struggles to find the strength to stand. The silver pendant, however, exerts a soothing, cold presence against his chest, sending a calming wave through him, helping to ease the tension and provide a sense of comfort.

Wulfric kneels down next to Kaiden, his voice soft and reassuring. "Kaiden, it's alright. I'm here with you. Nothing will happen to you. I will keep a vigilant eye on him," he reassures, offering a quiet sense of strength and unwavering support.

Kaiden takes a deep breath, steadying himself with the exhalation. As he nods in agreement, he struggles to his feet, drawing strength not just from Wulfric's words but also from a newfound determination to confront his fears. He stands his ground, refusing to be a victim of another incident like before.

Kaiden regains his composure and confidently steps back into the room, followed closely by Wulfric, who closes the door behind them. Once inside, Wulfric addresses Gideon, his tone firm and commanding: "Tailor, what progress have you made?"

Gideon swiftly places the bag on the table and extracts several items from its interior. The fabric, unfurling from his arms, reveals the intricate and elegant garments he has brought. He presents the finely crafted attire for Wulfric and Kaiden to inspect and assess.

Gideon explains, detailing the care and effort he has put into selecting the materials, "I utilized the finest fabric to ensure a perfect, form-fitting fit, prioritizing both comfort and appropriateness for the ritual. The final step is for you to don the garments so I can determine if any further adjustments are necessary."

Kaiden gazes at the garments and then at Gideon, firmly shaking his head. With determination in his voice, he declares, "No. I will not change in front of this man."

Gideon steps closer, holding the garment out towards Kaiden. His tone is insistent as he states, "You Must put it on. I need to see the fit on you to adjust it properly."

As Kaiden steps back in response to Gideon's advance, Wulfric picks up on his unease and intervenes. He swiftly moves between the two, creating a physical barrier between Kaiden and the tailor. Wulfric's voice is authoritative as he speaks, addressing Gideon directly.

Wulfric, with firmness in his voice, commands, "Gideon, give him some space." Addressing Kaiden, he continues in a softer tone, suggesting a compromise, "We can use the screen wall. You'll have some privacy that way. We *have* to have this done for the ritual tomorrow. I know it's difficult, but please endure it."

Kaiden glances between both Wulfric and Gideon before giving a swift nod of agreement. Wulfric acknowledges with a nod of his own and strides over to a corner of the room, moving behind the wardrobe-like structure. He fiddles with something there momentarily before proceeding to pull out tall, foldable screen panels and positioning them in such a way as to create a makeshift changing area.

Kaiden is struck by the surprise revelation of the furniture, pondering why Wulfric had not mentioned it earlier. His eyes light up with fascination as he observes Wulfric setting it up, recognizing it now as a room divider or partition. He recalls a similar piece of furniture from his past, once owned by his grandfather before his younger sister wreaked havoc upon it.

Wulfric finishes setting up the screen, making sure it is securely in place. He turns to Kaiden and confidently announces, "All set. Go ahead and step behind it, and I'll hand you the garments."

Kaiden swiftly enters the makeshift changing area, stepping behind the screen. Simultaneously, Wulfric approaches Gideon and extends his hands, signaling for the tailor to hand over the garments.

Gideon glances at Wulfric with a mix of annoyance and fear, his reluctance is apparent as he reluctantly hands over the garments he is holding. With the items now in Wulfric's possession, Gideon lowers his hands to his sides, left empty-handed.

Wulfric swiftly and delicately drapes the garments over the top of the partition, ensuring they are within Kaiden's reach. He speaks quietly, "Here you go. Take your time. If you need any help, just let me know."

Kaiden's tone is courteous as he acknowledges Wulfric's help. "Thank you, Wulfric." He gently pulls the garment down, holding it up to his eyes for a closer inspection, appreciating the texture and qualities of the fabric.

Kaiden notices the softness of the material as he feels it between his fingers. He also observes that it has a slight elasticity, stretching a little as he pulls on a portion of the fabric. Looking closer at the sleeves and hem, he sees intricate patterns that repeat along the seams, adding an element of elegance and sophistication to the garment.

Kaiden studies the garment closely, noticing the subtle and intricately woven wolf imagery and symbols of Astryaln. The silver color, woven into the fabric, creates a beautiful display of light blues and purples, evoking a mystical aura reminiscent of aura lights.

Kaiden observes the effect of light on the garment, noting that wherever the stitching is touched by it, it creates a dazzling sparkle. Amazingly, the areas with the images seem to come alive, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the garment. It appears that either the garment or the fabric itself holds magical properties, evident in its stunning and dynamic beauty.

Kaiden gazes at the garment, his initial excitement gradually turning to unease as he makes a realization. Gideon has crafted a dress instead of regular attire. A wave of uncertainty washes over him, and he grapples with his thoughts, wondering how he is supposed to wear it and what he should do next.

Pulled out of his thoughts, Kaiden is gently pulled back to reality by a soft tap on the screen. Following the sound, he hears Wulfric's whispered voice, "Are you okay, Kaiden?" Echoing through the material of the screen.

With a shake of his head, Kaiden reassures Wulfric, his voice carrying through the material, "Yes, fine. One moment, please." He takes a deep breath, gathering his thoughts and emotions before proceeding.

Kaiden skillfully holds the garment in one hand and awkwardly pulls off his shirt, placing it on top of the screening. He then holds the dress open, uncertainty swirling through his mind. Unsure of how to proceed, he ponders whether to put his head through first or step into it from the bottom.

Kaiden shakes his head, dismissing the thoughts that swirl through his mind. He comes to a decision, determining that putting the garment on from the head down is most likely the best approach. With that, he proceeds to pull the dress over his head, working it down his body.

Kaiden experiences a sense of clinginess as the soft fabric adheres to his skin. He skillfully slides his arms through the transparent sleeves and maneuvers his fingers into the small loops at the ends. As he continues to pull the material further down, the garment successfully covers his chest, conforming to his form.

Kaiden faces a moment of realization as the garment snags at his waist, preventing it from fitting properly. Recognizing that he must remove his pants for the garment to fit properly, Kaiden proceeds to discard his trousers and pull the remaining part of the dress downwards to complete the fit.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

With a steady exhale, Kaiden completes the process, surveying himself in the garment. He takes a moment to examine himself, noticing some areas of the dress he finds less than satisfactory.

Kaiden notices the garment tightly hugs his muscular chest, emphasizing his physique. He turns around to examine his backside and detects the outlines of his figure through the material, which clings snugly. The transparent fabric of the sleeves continues onto the upper chest, forming a v-neck that highlights the pendant he wears.

Kaiden contemplates the garment's revealing nature, feeling exposed and uncomfortable. He attempts to cover his chest with his hands, but all he manages to do is conceal the open v-neck material from view, leaving the arms exposed.

Kaiden, feeling shy and embarrassed, calls out, "I'm done." He then proceeds to ask, with a hint of trepidation, "Do I have to come out in this? Do I have to?"

Gideon's voice rings out, filled with excitement as he explains, "Priestess, it is customary for the priestess to wear such a garment during rituals and important moments during their time here in our world. Every priestess before you has had a garment crafted specifically for them. Although the specifics of the design and manner are dictated by tradition, I, as the royal tailor, shall create a true masterpiece tailored just for you."

Kaiden peeks through a tiny opening in the screen, catching a glimpse of Wulfric rolling his eyes at Gideon, a sight he has never seen before. He chuckles softly, amused by the unexpected display of frustration from Wulfric.

Wulfric's voice comes through the screen, his tone gentle and supportive, "I understand this is all very different from what you're used to, Kaiden. However, I implore you to try it for now. Rest assured, if Gideon does anything untoward, I shall make sure he regrets it for many moons to come."

Kaiden gathers his courage, takes a deep breath, and utters, "I'm coming out." He then steps out from behind the screen, feeling the gazes of both Wulfric and Gideon rest upon him.

With his head lowered and tilted slightly, Kaiden focuses his gaze on the flooring, keeping his hands in front of his chest to conceal himself. In a soft, timid voice, he asks, "So, what do you think? May I change back now?"

With a hint of excitement in his voice, Gideon exclaims, "Exquisite. The material looks simply breathtaking on your frame!" His tone suddenly becomes more ordinary as he adds, "But I must check the material to ensure it fits properly and determine if any adjustments are necessary."

Kaiden briefly looks up at the moment Gideon's voice changes, catching a glimpse of Wulfric's stern and threatening stare directed toward the tailor. As he raises his head, Kaiden notices Wulfric is avoiding looking at him, his focus fixed firmly on Gideon instead.

Kaiden quickly interjects, voicing his desire to modify the front of the garment. "Please, can we change the front? I can't possibly walk around with my hands like this." He expresses his discomfort and hopes for a solution to the current predicament.

Gideon approaches Kaiden carefully, pulling a small piece of parchment and a pen from his shirt. He examines the garment closely and declares, "I can see that the fabric is clinging to your form quite tightly. To make the necessary adjustments, I need to take some measurements and jot down the required changes."

Wulfric steps forward, his movement nearly interrupted, but he holds back, observing as Gideon diligently jots notes down. Kaiden remains vigilant, his gaze fixed closely on Gideon as he stands beside him.

Gideon, placing the pen in his ear and then removing it swiftly, states, "We will need to add more fabric to the back and sides for a looser fit. First, I need to take some measurements."

Kaiden steps back, lowering his hands as he moves, speaking with assertiveness, "No. You can use the previous measurements as a starting point. Since you cut the fabric to make it tighter, the original measurements should suffice.”

Gideon's eyes widen at the sight of Kaiden, and Kaiden catches a glimpse of Wulfric blushing slightly before he averts his gaze. Kaiden glances down at himself and realizes that the garment's top is visible to both Gideon and Wulfric.

Overwhelmed by embarrassment, Kaiden quickly lifts his hands and scurries behind the screen, seeking refuge from the revealing situation.

Wulfric, recovering his composure, declares firmly, "You heard the Priestess. Change the top, and modify the back as well."

Kaiden's eyes widen in shock as he realizes the mention of the back. With trepidation, he cranes his neck backward, attempting to see the rear of the garment. However, he can only make out the curve of his buttocks but cannot discern more. He begins to dread the possibility that the garment's back is also open, leaving it exposed.

Gideon retorts, "That would completely alter the garment. It follows a traditional design." Wulfric steps in forcefully, "The design must be modified to accommodate the Priestess's needs. Is that clear?"

The room falls silent for a brief moment, and then Gideon responds, "Yes, I will jot it down. I'll ensure the modifications make the garment less transparent. I'll base it on the previous measurements, and I'll need the garment back to work on the new alterations."

Kaiden feels a surge of relief as he realizes that the garment will be modified, and he won't have to wear it in its current form. However, as he begins to remove the dress, he encounters a snag at his waist, finding it difficult to continue discarding the garment.

Kaiden exerts a bit more effort, rolling or peeling the fitted garment off, struggling against its tight and latex-like material. Eventually, he manages to discard it entirely, and it lands on the floor with a soft thump.

Kaiden swiftly retrieves his pants and shirt and hurriedly slips them back on, relishing the comfort and familiarity they offer compared to the constricting and uncomfortable garment he had just removed.

Kaiden emerges from behind the screen holding the garment in front of him and extends it out towards Gideon. The tailor swiftly moves forward, quickly taking the garment from Kaiden's grasp. Gideon immediately focuses his attention on the garment, intently studying it while examining the details.

Gideon turns his back to both Wulfric and Kaiden, placing the garment carefully into the bag, safely tucked away on the nearby table.

Gideon speaks, his tone tinged with annoyance yet maintaining a veneer of politeness. "Are there any further adjustments you would like me to make for the garment, Priestess?" he inquires.

Kaiden contemplates for a moment and then voices his requests, "Adjust the size so it doesn't cling so tightly, make the front and back, less transparent, and separate the garment into two pieces instead of a single, form-fitting unit. Can you modify it to create a top and bottoms separately?"

Wulfric stands quietly in his position, allowing Kaiden to make the decisions regarding the garment, considering it is Kaiden who will wear it.

Gideon's expression turns frustrated upon hearing Kaiden's critiques. He retorts, "Create two pieces, Priestess. It is a traditional garment representing a Royal Servant of the Heavens. Separating it into a top and bottoms goes against the historic significance."

Wulfric interjects, capturing Gideon's attention with a significant stare. In response, Gideon's sweat begins to trickle down as he nods, offering a slightly bowed gesture while speaking. "I'll do my best, Priestess. Two-piece garment, as requested."

Wulfric nods in agreement. "That will be all for now, Royal Tailor. See to it that someone delivers the garment tomorrow morning for the Priestess to change into without delay."

Gideon gathers his belongings, bowing slightly lower than before with a hint of annoyance in his voice. "Certainly, I'll take my leave now," he says as he makes his way towards the exit.

Kaiden observes as Gideon exits the room, noticing the subtle movement of his head and the mutterings under his breath. Kaiden interprets these actions as signs of frustration directed towards both Wulfric and himself for the way they had treated the Royal Tailor.

While Kaiden may feel a flicker of remorse for his treatment of Gideon, he trusts his instincts. Given the Royal Tailor's behavior, Kaiden understands that it is wise to remain cautious around individuals who have once overstepped boundaries, as they may attempt to do so again if not watched closely.

Wulfric releases a sigh of relief, his muscles somewhat loosening. He comments, "Thank Astrayln, that's finally over. Gideon's audacity is infuriating. I feel strongly tempted to hurl him out of the palace, but the Emperor and Empress inexplicably favor him. It's quite annoying."

Kaiden giggles, sensing a more relaxed atmosphere with Wulfric now. "It's strange, isn't it? Aside from his skillful craftsmanship with fabrics, I can't see why the Emperor and Empress hold him in such high regard."

Wulfric lets out a sigh and moves to the door, checking the entrance briefly before returning to the middle of the room. He murmurs thoughtfully, "I don't understand it either. Perhaps one day I'll be able to kick that slippery tailor out."

Kaiden contemplates the garment once more, his hands subconsciously reaching toward his chest. His voice is tinged with a hint of embarrassment as he speaks, "That dress made me feel practically exposed to everyone, it was utterly embarrassing having my chest seen."

Wulfric chimes in after hearing Kaiden's comments, a smirk on his face. "Don't forget about how it framed your rear end, Kaiden. The back was even more revealing than the front."

Kaiden's face turns pale as he covers it with his hands, thoroughly mortified. He asks, his voice filled with embarrassment, "How bad did it look? I didn't get a chance to see it myself."

Kaiden ponders the idea briefly, realizing that a mirror would have been a helpful addition to the room. It would have allowed him to see his reflection and assess how the garment had looked from different angles.

Wulfric ponders for a moment, scratching his chin. He suggests, "It's a bit tricky to put into words, but I could try to sketch it if you'd like?"

Kaiden nods in agreement, appreciating the suggestion. "That's a great idea! Do you happen to have any paper or writing tools here? Like a pencil or a pen, maybe?"

Wulfric shakes his head in response, indicating a lack of writing tools. "I'm afraid I don't have any on me. We can request someone to bring some to your room, though."

Kaiden expresses a hint of impatience and offers, "No, that would take too long. Can't you just sketch it on the screen with your fingers?"

Wulfric shrugs and approaches the screen. “Worth a try.” He says, tracing out some lines with his fingers. He points to the different parts as he explains, "This is your back, this is the fabric, and this is the opening. Does that make sense?"

Kaiden nods yes initially but quickly changes his mind, shaking his head no. He explains, "I couldn't follow the lines since they were drawn on top of each other. Can you make them more distinct so I can visualize it better?"

Wulfric shakes his head, contemplating for a moment, his face betraying a hint of blush for a passing moment. He then shakes it off and says, "I've got an idea."

Kaiden looks at Wulfric curiously, intrigued by his sudden idea. "Well, go on, what is it?"

Wulfric fidgets with the back of his head in a manner that Kaiden has never observed before, revealing a hint of shyness or embarrassment, an emotion that seems out of character for the usually firm and military-like celestial warrior.

Wulfric speaks in a soft tone, giving directions to Kaiden. "Turn around, with your back facing me. I'll trace the lines on your shirt so you can see and feel the exact location of the opening."

Kaiden is initially taken aback at Wulfric's proposal but, realizing the logical nature of the idea with no ill intent towards him, he nods in agreement. He turns around, facing the screen, his back now facing Wulfric and the room.

Wulfric steps up softly behind Kaiden, his hot breath faintly brushing against his neck/hair. In a soft tone, he instructs, "Concentrate on my finger to help visualize the placement of the fabric."

Kaiden nods, preparing himself for the touch of Wulfric's finger. He involuntarily jerks when he senses the movement of his shirt. Wulfric's finger gently traces the line of his neck, coming to a halt.

Wulfric explains in a soft voice, "That's the neckline. The opening lies here." His finger gently moves to Kaiden's shoulder blade and begins tracing the outline of the opening.

As Wulfric's finger glides down Kaiden's back, a mixture of heat and nervousness courses through his body. A flurry of thoughts races through his mind, only to be supplanted by others. Kaiden raises his hands slowly to his face, feeling a rising heat and flush on his skin from the encounter.

Wulfric's finger gradually slows, nearly reaching Kaiden's hips. It then moves down just a bit further before quickly crossing over Kaiden's lower back, just above his buttocks, and moving back up. Wulfric swiftly rushes the motion upward on the other side, returning to the starting point he marked moments ago.

Wulfric steps back, creating some space between them, and asks, "Did you manage to visualize it? Does the tracing give you a clearer picture of the garment's opening?"

Kaiden nods silently in response, his hands still covering his mouth. A rosy hue of embarrassment tints his cheeks, and despite the feeling of wobbliness in his legs, he remains standing firm. Old memories threaten to intrude, but Kaiden forcibly shoves them away, shaking his head to clear his thoughts.

Wulfric observes Kaiden's response, noticing the silent nod coupled with a head shake. He inquires, a hint of uncertainty in his voice, "I'm confused, did you mean yes or no? You nodded yes, but then shook your head no. Which is it?"

Kaiden slowly turns around, pulling his hand away from his mouth. He consciously sets aside his feelings and thoughts, further suppressing any emotions. "Apologies. What I meant was yes, I was able to visualize it in my mind. Thank you, Wulfric," he responds, his voice tinged with gratitude.

Kaiden studies Wulfric, noticing a subtle blush still present in his cheeks. The thought occurs to Kaiden that he wasn't the only one feeling embarrassment or harboring inappropriate thoughts. He shakes his head once more, mentally scolding himself to stay focused.

Wulfric abruptly turns his head away, coughing suddenly, attempting to divert the conversation. "Gideon will take care of that design flaw. We won't have to worry about your attire until tomorrow. For now, we can move on to other matters," he suggests, regaining his composure.

Kaiden collects himself and nods in agreement. "That's a good idea. I would like to review the scrolls again and practice the earlier movements from the Chamber. I want to ensure I have a solid grasp on them before tomorrow's ritual in front of everyone"

Wulfric bows lightly, offering, "If you require any help, please let me know. I will stand guard by the door in the meantime. I'll arrange for a servant to bring us another tray of food from the kitchens." He lifts the tray from the table and strides towards the door, preparing to call for a servant.

As Wulfric opens the door, Kaiden calls out, "Wulfric, hold on. I'm not particularly hungry at the moment. Let's hold off on the food for now."

Wulfric was just about to exit the room to summon a servant, but Kaiden's voice interrupted him. He turns back to face Kaiden and responds, "Alright, if you're not hungry yet, we can hold off on the food for now." He closes the door and positions himself by it, ready to heed Kaiden's needs.

Wulfric sets the tray down beside the door, ensuring to keep his hands free. He then returns to his formal stance, standing guard with disciplined focus. His gaze remains fixed straight ahead, his head held high, and his composure unwavering.

Kaiden chuckles softly, finding humor in Wulfric's rigid mannerisms. He couldn't help but think that Wulfric could sometimes be as unyielding as a stubborn piece of wood, although there were subtle signs suggesting he was becoming more flexible over time like wool slowly unraveling.

Kaiden sifts through the pile of scrolls on the table, searching for the one he is looking for. He locates the desired scroll and begins perusing it, skimming through the script. His eyes rest on the words spoken by the Head Female Elder, Roheisia, and himself in the Chamber of Astrayln a few hours ago.

Kaiden becomes so immersed in the scripture and movements that he loses track of time. The sun has already begun to set by the time he realizes it. Wulfric's voice, carrying a tray of food, finally breaks his concentration.

Wulfric's voice, carrying a note of concern, breaks Kaiden's concentration. "Kaiden," he says, setting the tray of food on the table. "It's time to take a break and replenish your strength. You've been at it for quite some time. Here, have something to eat."

Kaiden approaches the table, his eyes scanning the contents of the tray. He notices various fruits, pastries, and two bowls filled with a steaming liquid. A sense of curiosity sparks within him as he takes in the array of food laid out before him.

Wulfric grabs one of the bowls, cautioning Kaiden with a warning, "Be careful, it's hot." Carefully, he passes the bowl to Kaiden, taking care not to spill any of the steaming liquid. He then picks up his bowl and takes a seat at the table, preparing to enjoy his meal.

Kaiden tilts the bowl, hesitating as he tries to determine what's inside it. He then places the bowl down and reaches for a pastry instead. He takes a seat across from Wulfric and begins nibbling on the pastry, savoring each bite.

Wulfric spoons a few bites into his mouth before pushing the second bowl towards Kaiden, indicating for him to have more than just the pastry. He then speaks with his mouth slightly full. "You need to eat more than just that. The soup is good for you." He continues eating his bowl of soup.

Kaiden takes a deep breath and begins pulling apart his pastry, his gaze occasionally flicking towards Wulfric. Noticing the stern expression on Wulfric's face, Kaiden reluctantly moves the bowl closer and scoops up some of the liquid. To his surprise, he finds that it's not a thick, chunky soup as he had expected, but rather a light, flavorful broth.

Kaiden and Wulfric eat in silence, each at their own pace, until they finish their respective bowls of soup. Kaiden then picks up the remaining bits of his torn-apart pastry and takes small bites, finally polishing off the entire thing. He takes a sip of water to wash it all down, the cool liquid refreshing his mouth.

Wulfric stands up from the table and returns to his usual position by the door. Kaiden takes a moment to wipe his mouth with the back of his hand, feeling satisfied with the meal he has eaten. He glances over at Wulfric, standing guard as he always does.

Just as Kaiden opens his mouth to speak, a knock on the door interrupts him. The unexpected sound surprised him, as they weren't anticipating any visitors. Then he remembers Evelyn mentioning she might come herself or send a scroll. He turns his attention towards the door, curious to see who's there.